Dimitar Berbatov, a legendary figure for Manchester United, has opened up about a significant moment in his career when he firmly rejected a transfer offer from Manchester City. Berbatov, who enjoyed immense success at Old Trafford, disclosed that City approached him with an offer in 2008, but he was quick to shut it down in no uncertain terms.
The intense rivalry between Manchester United and Manchester City is one of the fiercest in English football. The Manchester derby is among the most eagerly awaited fixtures in the Premier League, a testament to the long-standing competition between the two sides. Due to this bitter rivalry, it is rare to see players represent both clubs; only 14 players have done so, with notable examples being Peter Schmeichel, Denis Law, and Carlos Tevez.
Berbatov’s revelation adds another intriguing chapter to this rivalry. The Bulgarian forward, who had established himself as a top striker during his time at Tottenham Hotspur, was attracting attention from several clubs after his impressive stint at the North London side, where he netted 46 goals in 102 appearances. In 2008, he eventually joined Manchester United in a high-profile transfer, but it turns out City tried to interfere with his move at the last moment.
In an interview with The Telegraph, Berbatov recounted how Manchester City made a last-ditch attempt to sign him on the final day of the transfer window. However, he made it clear to his agent that there was no chance of him joining United’s cross-town rivals. In his own words: “They wanted to sign me on the last day of the market. I told my agent, ‘F*** off, we’re going to United.'”
United Over City: How Berbatov Chose Old Trafford Over the Etihad
The reason behind Berbatov’s unwavering decision was rooted in his admiration for Manchester United’s rich history, their prestige, the caliber of players, and the leadership of Sir Alex Ferguson, whom he viewed as a legendary figure. He had no doubts that Old Trafford was where he belonged, and he remained steadfast in his decision to join the Red Devils.
That summer, Berbatov signed for Manchester United for a reported fee of £30.7 million, marking the beginning of a successful chapter in his career. During his time at United, he scored 56 goals and contributed 26 assists across 149 appearances, cementing his place as a club icon.
Berbatov also shared an unforgettable experience upon his arrival in Manchester. After completing his transfer, he was personally picked up from the airport by none other than Sir Alex Ferguson, a gesture that left him both shocked and honored. Describing the moment, he said, “I was shocked because it can be intimidating, especially for me. Stepping out of the plane and, bam, you see Sir Alex. I was like, what do I say? How do I address him? Will I look stupid? I had all these questions in my head, but he was great.”
The former striker recalled feeling a mix of excitement and anxiety during the car ride to Manchester United’s Carrington training ground, which felt almost surreal to him. He reflected, “The drive in the car was like science fiction. I didn’t even know what to say. It was a perfect day. Exhausting, but perfect, because I had worked so hard to get there.”
Berbatov’s decision to reject Manchester City’s advances and his eventual success at Manchester United highlight the importance of loyalty and following one’s instinct when it comes to making career-defining choices. His story is another reminder of how pivotal certain moments can be in shaping a footballer’s legacy.
READ MORE: Arsenal’s Youth Revolution: Jack Porter and Ethan Nwaneri Lead the Charge in 5-1 Victory Over Bolton
READ MORE: How EA SPORTS FC 25 is Redefining Virtual Football for New and Returning Players